Local firefighters at Annandale Hose Company No. 1 have a new life-saving tool for pets, thanks to a donation of two sets of specially designed pet oxygen masks from the Canine Company.
Annandale Hose Company vice president Bob Stagg requested the masks after learning about the project, which provides them to first responders in communities where clients live. Each set of masks comes in three sizes to fit pets from small mammals like rabbits up through giant-breed dogs – and connect to the standard oxygen tanks the rescue teams carry.
The Annandale Hose Company has received a donation of pet rescue masks from the Canine Company of Wilton, Connecticut. This donation was a result of ex-Chief Robert Stagg’s efforts.“The membership of the hose company is very aware that residence pets are a big part of their family,” said Annandale Hose Chief Robert Emery. “With this in mind it was very important for us to secure this donation to better serve our Clinton Township residences and their pets.”
He said the rescue masks will be strategically located on the engine companies that respond out of Fire Headquarters and Fire Station No. 2 on Route 31 near Payne Road.
“Hopefully we will never need to utilize these tools, but if we do, we have them and are ready in the event of an incident which requires their deployment” said Emery. “The Annandale Hose Company extends their appreciation to the Canine Company for these rescue masks, as well as to Ex-Chief Robert Stagg for his efforts in retaining these important rescue tools.”
So far this year, Canine Company has donated more than 40 sets of masks to 18 fire departments and first aid squads, said Renee Coughlin, of Canine Company.
“At Canine Company, we offer products and services to help pet parents keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home and we support community programs, like Canine Saves, that do the same,” said Coughlin. “We hope to donate to first responders in other communities where our clients live.”
Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including Invisible Fence brand pet containment systems and Manners obedience training.
Other local fire and EMS officials can apply for donations by visiting www.caninecompany.com/topic/charities.aspx.
(New Jersey Hills - Apr 11, 2016)
